I will be visiting Madrid the first week of February 2016. I'm looking for accommodations in the 3-4 star range in a good location.
Will be in Barcelona the second week and want to stay near Franca Train Station. I would like to hear of your suggestions.
Also should I buy train ticket to Barcelona online?
Madrid and Barcelona
'Also should I buy train ticket to Barcelona online?' - If your date is fixed, no changing your mind, yes of course. Purchase now and and on some journeys there will be a discount of near 40% on the walk up price on the day.
www.renfe.com
I stayed in the Hotel Atlantico when I was in Madrid in January; it's in a great location on Gran Via, and is close to metro stops.
Quoting WomBatt
'Also should I buy train ticket to Barcelona online?' - If your date is fixed, no changing your mind, yes of course. Purchase now and and on some journeys there will be a discount of near 40% on the walk up price on the day.
www.renfe.com
Note that the train rides will become available 62 days prior to the trip itself, on the Renfe website, it is also possible at that time to book the cheapest fare. (I have heard about problems with paying with foreign credit cards.) If prices are already getting high, you could try to catch a plane, but be aware of the weight limitations of the airline before booking. Busses are also possible but take rather long. (In Spain the general guideline is that you pay more for traveling fast, no matter the mode of transport.)
I never needed a Hotel in Madrid, as I lived there. If you select one, just make sure you have easy access to the Metro, and stay within 6-8 metro stops of the center (Sol).